Resources

Angel Dear

Angel Dear creates classic baby clothing and accessories with a modern sensibility and attention to special details. Two Angel Dear blankies stayed by Forrest’s side throughout the 55 days of his life. Angel Dear has graciously donated over 100 blankies to the Fund to pass out to families in the NICU and PICU.

SRVS Kids & Families

SRVS Kids & Families provides family-centered programs and services that address the unique abilities and challenges of young children with special needs. Believing parents are the best teachers for their children, the overall goal of SRVS Kids & Families is to enhance a family’s knowledge and understanding, and equip them with strategies and techniques to bring their child to his or her full potential.

Christian Psychological Center

The Christian Psychological Center was established in 1977 to meet the growing need for quality psychological care within a Christian context in the Mid-South area. The Forrest Spence Fund partnered with the Christian Psychological Center in 2010 to connect families with counseling and support groups. If a family loses a child, we refer them to professional Christian counseling and pay 100% of the cost. We are working together with the Christian Psychological Center to make sure that families receive the emotional care that they need. The counselors help families in dealing with the stages of grief, coping with the loss, and the impact of the death on their family.

Icing Smiles

Icing Smiles is a nonprofit organization that provides custom celebration cakes and other treats to families impacted by the critical illness of a child. They have so far created over 10,000 (and counting!) treats for families in need. Their goal is to create a custom cake for the ill child, or their sibling, that provides a temporary escape from worry and creates a positive memory during a difficult time.

CaringBridge

Caringbridge brings together a global community of care powered by the love of family and friends in an easy, accessible and private way. The website allows the family of someone who is ill to post updates on their condition so other loved ones and friends can be involved.

This CaringBridge page is specific to the life and story of Forrest. His parents, David and Brittany, would write updates on how their son was doing. The story that is written in these pages is what drives the mission of the Forrest Spence Fund. The ups and downs and the trials the Spence’s faced with Forrest is what propels them forward now to help other families with similar needs. To read the story of Forrest and the courage that his family had is to realize that even in the darkest of circumstances, hope still exists. Click Here to view Forrest's story on our Caringbridge page.

March of Dimes

March of Dimeshas led the way to discover the genetic causes of birth defects, to promote newborn screening, and to educate medical professionals and the public about best practices for healthy pregnancy. We have supported research for surfactant therapy to treat respiratory distress and helped initiate the system of regional neonatal intensive care for premature and sick babies.

DSA of Memphis

The Down Syndrome Association of Memphis is dedicated to supporting and empowering individuals with Down syndrome and their families. DSA seeks to promote inclusion of all individuals with Down syndrome by providing families and our communities with up-to-date information and education, enhancing public awareness of the inherent worth, value, and contribution of these individuals to society and fostering positive attitudes regarding people with Down syndrome.

East Memphis Moms

East Memphis Moms isn't just for day care reccomendations or to find fun things to do around town. It's also a place to find tons of support groups within your community.

With resources like the MISSFoundation meetings, CrossHeart Ministries, the LeBonheur Epilepsy Partners, and tons more, you can find things for just about any situation.

MISS Foundation

The MISS Foundation is a volunteer based organization providing C.A.R.E. [counseling, advocacy, research, and education] services to families experiencing the death of a child. Located in Austin, TX, the MISS Foundation doesn't just serve those around them, but nation wide.

GriefShare

GriefShare, located across the country, helps people get connected with other individuals going through similar tough circumstances. Their website allows you to enter your city or postal code so you can locate when and where the next GriefShare group is meeting near you. GriefShare seminars and support groups are led by people who understand what you are going through and want to help. You’ll gain access to valuable GriefShare resources to help you recover from your loss and look forward to rebuilding your life.

Grief Support Groups

Grief Support Groups, located across the country, connects families and individuals to a specific grief counselors that can help with their specific situation. The website allows you to enter your city or postal code so you can be connected with a counselor near you.

Funeral Consumers Alliance

Funeral Consumers Alliance, located in the MidSouth, is dedicated to supporting and planning the funeral arrangements for families who have lost a loved one. Their main goal is to educate families on how to plan and arrange funerals in the most cost effective way and answer any questions the family may have. FCA affiliates are all nonprofit organizations mainly run by volunteers.